1. Gotta have faith: Despite an 0-2 start, in which ASU has held leads in both games, the Hornets remain confident, coach Brian Jenkins said. “Haven’t lost faith, haven’t lost belief,” Jenkins said. “That’s why I admire my players because they haven’t shown one bit of regret. They have not taken a step back. They’ve shown up to practice ready to work, great attitude and great effort.” The Hornets led 14-3 before Tennessee State scored the final 21 points in the season opener. Last week, Alabama State led 14-7 before Alcorn State ran off the final 24 points. “We need to redeem ourselves,” linebacker Kourtney Berry said.

2. Bouncing back: Two years after having to forfeit a game because its players refused to play, Grambling entered the season as the SWAC Western Division favorite. The Tigers, just like ASU, are 0-2 — with a 73-14 loss at California and a 56-53 home loss to Bethune-Cookman. “They’re one of the best teams we’re going to play,” ASU cornerback Bradley Street said. “Of course, Alcorn was pretty good, but Grambling, we have to take Grambling seriously because Grambling can put up a lot of points. We have to be able to stop them.”

3. Grambling recap: The Tigers, after hiring coach Broderick Fobbs, were 7-5 last year with a seven-game win streak bookended by losses at Bethune-Cookman — then coached by Jenkins — and to ASU. “Coach Fobbs has done a phenomenal job and has those guys really playing well,” Jenkins said. “I watched them against my former team and I’ve been impressed, shocked and stunned watching film seeing how much Grambling has improved in a short period of time. We’re up for the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”

4. Name game: Saturday’s game is officially called the Prince Hall Masons Americanism Football Classic. In last year’s inaugural game, ASU beat Tennessee State 27-21. Pop quiz in 10 minutes.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ephraim Henderson

WR, 5-9, 178, Sr.

Henderson made four catches in each of ASU’s first two games and, like the rest of the receivers, could be due for a big game. Grambling gave up 463 yards and six touchdowns passing in last week’s 56-53 loss to Bethune-Cookman.

CLOSE

ASU linebacker Kourtney Berry says the Hornets are excited to host Grambling on Saturday.
Stacy Long

BY THE NUMBERS

180.9: Cumulative pass efficiency allowed through two games by the Grambling defense.